Peer Support Specialist

About Interfaith Community Services: As North County's largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services has been "helping people help themselves" since 1979. The organization provides a wide range of programs designed to empower hungry, homeless, and low-income community members to begin a pathway towards self-sufficiency. Each year, Interfaith Community Services impacts more than 20,000 community members by providing basic needs and nutrition support, social services, shelters and housing, employment development, senior services, veterans programs and addiction recovery support. Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 1,700 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 275, Interfaith provides a safe-haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 20,000 community members annually. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission! What You'll Do: In the Mobile Certified Peer Support Specialist role, you’llprovide safe, supportive and timely transportation services for clients enrolled in RWC Withdrawal Management program. This unique position integrates the delivery of peer support services into participant transportation. During transport, the Peer Support Specialist provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed support that promotes sustained recovery, strengthens independent living and life skills, encourages healthy socialization, foster self-advocacy, facilitates connections to community-based supports, and helps participants recognize and build upon their individual strengths. This position serves as a hybrid role and is responsible for performing the full range of duties and responsibilities associated with both the Certified Peer Support Specialist and Transportation Specialist classifications, including but not limited to the functions outlined below: Certified Peer Support Specialist Duties Serves as a mentor and role model to clients by drawing on own experiences and professional skills to build a trusting relationship with clients Provides peer support services during transport to and from medical appointments, community-based services, and other program-related appointments, fostering engagement, reducing barriers to care, and supporting participants in achieving their Assists participants in developing independent living skills to promote independence and long-term stabilization. Monitors compliance with grant and contract requirements Ensures the confidentiality of client information and health records May assist with Intake Process and discharge warm handoff, as time permits Supports the client to use decision-making strategies when choosing services and supports Develops and maintains effective relationships with mental health providers and SUD treatment providers to ensure that clients with ongoing treatment needs are successfully transferred to longer-term services Communicates with SUD Case Manager and interdisciplinary treatment team about client’s needs, appointment follow-ups, and goals Completes documentation of peer support services in a timely manner as required by contractual and program guidelines. May assist in checking participants in and out for Intake/Discharge warm handoff Supports the client to use decision-making strategies when choosing services and supports Mobile CPSS Transportation Duties Provide safe transportation for participants to and from medical appointments, community-based services, and other program-related appointments while incorporating peer support, recovery coaching, and mentoring throughout the transportation experience Maintain and update the transportation calendar to ensure efficient and timely service Maintain ongoing communication with clients and staff regarding appointment and schedule changes Schedule and select routes and travel times to ensure clients arrive for appointments promptly and are picked up in a reasonable timeframe after appointments Assist clients on and off the vehicle, including those with physical limitations Report any problematic client behavior, safety concerns, or disruptions in service to a supervisor Maintain order during transport, using de-escalation techniques as necessary Transport clients in a safe and timely manner while observing traffic laws and regulations Ensure clients have safely entered the designated location after exiting the vehicle Operate vehicles in compliance with all traffic laws, regulations, and safety standards Maintain documentation of vehicle maintenance and service records as directed by agency guidelines Lock and secure the vehicle and ensure no passengers remain in the vehicle when left unattended Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections to identify safety or maintenance issues Maintain accurate mileage logs, passenger counts, and transportation records Clean and refuel vehicles; promptly report mechanical issues for repair Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and compliance activities Perform additional tasks as assigned by program management Requirements Who You Are: You're passionate about making a lasting impact, whether supporting individuals directly or enhancing our organizational effectiveness. To thrive in this role, you'll: High school diploma or equivalent, required Must be certified as a Peer Support Specialist by the Department of Health Care Services-approved CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Program, required 1+ years of experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer, required Must possess and maintain a valid CA driver’s license (in good standing) and have and maintain a clean driving record for insurability under the agency’s insurance carrier’s standards, required SKILLSETS / ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer Must be willing to share their experience and have a strong dedication to recovery Must have completed the curriculum for a peer support specialist and passed a certification examination approved by the Department of Health Care Services Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle Must be First Aid/CPR trained within 30 days of employment Basic knowledge of Windows operating systems as well as Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) Ability to communicate effectively among a diverse workforce population and maintain sound working relations with all levels within the organization Work with a spirit of enthusiasm, teamwork, cooperation and a sense of urgency Maintain a high degree of confidentiality over all matters in the course of business operations, including client and employee information Ability to multi-task in an efficient, thorough, and prioritized manner Ability to work quickly, accurately and independently Ability to anticipate needs, prioritize work and solve problems WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Drives regularly during all seasons and is exposed to all weather conditions Must be able to perform work in both indoor and outdoor settings Must have the physical ability to sit for long periods of time, stand, walk, bend, kneel and uses hands, arms and legs for dexterity and balance frequently May be subjected to adverse conditions, including contact with hostile people Low to moderate exposure to contagious diseases (hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.) Low to moderate exposure of unpleasant and noxious fumes, odors, dust, temperatures, noise and inclement weather Occasionally lifts, carries, and balances objects weighing up to 30 pounds Pulls and pushes such objects as file drawers, computers and similar office equipment and supplies Prioritizes and multi-tasks work and projects requiring good memory, concentration and analytical thinking Regularly required to perform the safe operation of a vehicle, office equipment and machines, and recognize and abate safety hazards within the workplace Must be able to hear, see, including the distinction of colors, read and communicate verbally and in writing frequently with a wide range of people from divergent socio-economic backgrounds and origins The noise level in the work environment is usually low Location: Onsite/Escondido Hours: Monday-Friday: 7am-3:30 pm Hourly Rate: $22.64-$29.30 EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Paid Time Off Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled Flexible Work Schedules Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance AD&D / Group Life Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan Early Release Days! Work Anniversary Bonuses Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) Home Ownership Assistance Program Casual Work Environment Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr